MIDDLETOWN >> It’s officially Veganuary, the month in which people all over the world pledge to go vegan for one month! We celebrate vegan eating all year round, but are huge supporters of helping people start off small or just try it out.

One of the easiest meals anyone can throw together is a simple combination of veggies, a grain of choice, and a plant-based protein like tempeh, tofu or beans — plus a delicious sauce to tie it all together.

This lemon tahini dressing is simple to make and turns a basic meal into something special.

So if you’re a new cook, trying out a plant-based diet, or just looking for a flavorful sauce to make at home, give this easy lemon tahini dressing a try and mix it with your favorite pantry basics.

Lemon Tahini Dressing

½ cup tahini

1/3 cup lemon juice (juice from about 3 lemons)

4 Tablespoons tamari

Whisk together and adjust lemon/tamari ratio to your likings.

I.O.N. Restaurant (previously known as It’s Only Natural) is one of Connecticut’s first vegan restaurants, and has been a Middletown landmark for more than 30 years. At 606 Main St. in Middletown, the eatery is owned and operated by Renana Magee. Learn more at IONrestaurant.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/IONRestaurant.